6 lesser-known secrets about Tesla cars

CEO Elon Musk is always announcing new innovations for the electric car, but here are details that make them specialBusiness Insider | November 16, 2016, 10:06 IST

By Danielle Muoio

CEO Elon Musk is always announcing new innovations for the electric car, but here are details that make them special

1. Musk wants Tesla's car line to be the definition of sexy, literally. The Model S, Model X, and upcoming Model 3 are all part of a quest for the car line to spell SEXY or S3XY upon the release of Tesla's eventual Model Y SUV.

Tesla initially wanted the Model 3 to be dubbed the Model E, but that dream was dashed when Ford filed for the Model E trademark, leading to one of Musk's more excellent quotes: "Like why did you go steal Tesla's E? Like you're some sort of fascist army marching across the alphabet, some sort of Sesame Street robber?"

2. Musk is a huge fan of placing Easter eggs in Tesla cars, like the one that will let you 'drive' down Rainbow Road (like in Mario Kart!). Musk is clearly a fan of rainbows because pressing the button on Tesla's charge handle will make the port flash in rainbow colours.

3. The Tesla CEO also turned his love of James Bond films into an Easter egg. Model S owners can hold down the 'T' button to bring up the technician log-in screen, and typing in '007' will transform the car on the infotainment center into the submersible Lotus Esprit S1 car. The Easter egg changes the suspension into 'Depth Leagues'. You can read about more Tesla Easter eggs here. Musk also said there's an Easter egg coming to Tesla P100D cars with Ludicrous mode.

4. Tesla tries to stay competitive, like through its glass offerings. In 2013, the Model S came with a panoramic sunroof that was the largest panoramic sunroof opening at the time. Tesla announced an all-glass roof for the Model S last week. Musk also recently announced that Tesla has a new glass division that's developing new glass tech to use on the Model 3. Musk also said recently that future Tesla vehicles may come with a solar roof.